The Jaffar Express, a key passenger train connecting Quetta and Peshawar, has resumed operations after being suspended due to a terrorist attack last week. The incident occurred on March 11, 2025, when militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the train, leading to a day-long standoff. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 28 lives, including security personnel and civilians. Security forces successfully intervened, rescuing 346 passengers and neutralizing 33 attackers.
Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, announced that train services would resume starting March 18, 2025. To enhance security, drone surveillance has been introduced for train operations in Balochistan, and CCTV cameras are being installed at railway stations and other sensitive locations nationwide.
In the aftermath of the attack, three hand grenades were discovered and safely defused in the affected train carriages at Quetta Railway Station. Repairs to the damaged carriages are underway, with the goal of returning them to service once restored.
The resumption of the Jaffar Express service marks a return to normalcy for passengers traveling between Quetta and Peshawar, with strengthened security measures in place to ensure their safety.